The Wire with Joel

Over the weekend, a severe blaze broke out across the Awarua-Waituna wetlands, burning 1000 hectares of the land. The fires have highlighted a need for the Government to implement climate protections for the wetlands as it acts as a major carbon sink and contains a unique ecosystem.

Trishil spoke to Tom Kay from Forest and Bird to discuss the impact of the fires, and policy that can be implemented so the wetlands can be protected.

Host Christina had her regular catch up with AUT Professor Marcus Jones for Dear Science live in studio. They discussed the diabetes risk after Covid, a new opioid free painkiller, and how fish could be able to learn basic maths.

Christina also discussed the loosening of government restrictions overnight with Professor Rod Jackson and Professor Michael Plank.

Producer Trishil spoke to Asuka Burge from the New Zealand Blood Service about the critical need for those with A Positive blood to donate.

He also spoke to Forest and Bird Freshwater Advocate Tom Kay, as he calls for the Government to implement better climate goals in the wake of the Awarua-Waituna wetland fires.

Finally, Christina spoke to trade unionist Justine Sachs about her thoughts on Amazon workers in New York joining the Amazon Labour Union in the United States.

Welcome back to another Monday Wire, on today's show:

Isla and Stella bring you "Tomorrow's World". They look at AI and machine learning with Krithik Ramesh, who won the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair at 16.

Charlie speaks to Olga Pantos from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research about how microplastics affect our lives, and how they're monitored. She also speaks to Oska Rego from the New Zealand Animal Law Association about the current state of New Zealand's cattle laws and what can be done to improve them.

Sam speaks to Dr Paul Winton about the 1.5 Project, how you can reduce your carbon emissions, and further climate action. He also speaks to Wendy Johns from Friends of Oakley Creek about the restoration of Te Auaunga Oakley Creek.

After a court case saw one New Zealand farmer get home detention for starving 28 cows to death, cattle laws in New Zealand come under question of how well they deal with cattle welfare. Charlie speaks with Oska Rego from the New Zealand Animal Law Association about the current agricultural cattle laws, and how these can be improved in the future.